Wilson, 33, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection who played 12 seasons in Arizona. He is one of six NFL players with 25 interceptions and 25 sacks. His playing time was slashed last season, making his release by the Cardinals last week easy to predict.

Abraham, 35, had 10 sacks last season, but he's probably best-suited as a situational pass rusher at this stage of his career. His 122 career sacks rank him fifth on the NFL's all-time list.

Neither veteran was expected to command big dollars in this free-agent market. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has an affinity for established veterans who are in the back end of their careers. Wilson and Abraham certainly qualify as that.